Virtual Community
From ElateWiki
Virtual communities have been a part of e-learning for a number of years. These communities form around shared interests.
Contents |
What is a Virtual Community?
A virtual community is one that brings together people from distributed areas around shared learning, shared interests, and shared identities.
These communities include people who are novices to experts in the field.
Technologies
People are brought together through immersive spaces, virtual learning environments, and types of computer mediated communications. Some are built up around virtual design studios (VDSes), virtual learning environments (VLEs), and other immersive spaces.
Individual and Communal Telepresence
With the improvements in technologies, individual and communal telepresences (or social presences) become more full-sensory and "real" to others. Distributed groups may create more of a sense of connectivity and sharing--which enhances the building of the relationships necessary for community.
The Life Trajectory of a Virtual Community
Virtual communities have apparent life spans. While it's hard enough encouraging individuals to respond to an online virtual community, keeping their interest over time may be even tougher--as the site needs to include continuing value.